ANC calls on DA to withdraw candidate

The ANC Western Cape calls on Tony Leon and the Democratic Alliance to withdraw its candidate from the by-election in Clanwilliam.

The by-election in Ward 6 of the Cederberg Municipality takes place on Wednesday 24 July. The ANC`s candidate is Deidre Booysen.

The DA candidate Bertie Zass is alleged to have used the vehicle of the local Community Police Forum (CPF) for personal gain. The vehicle was donated by the Community Safety Department and was to be used for anti-crime purposes. Mr Zass, who was the chairperson, was suspended by the CPF last week.

The local police are investigating charges of fraud, theft and abuse of public property.

The ANC is in possession of copies of three sworn affidavits, handed in to the local police, which details the alleged abuse.

Mrs Lena Ruiters, 44, says she approached Mr Zass on 22 September last year to transport her family to a nearby town Graafwater. She paid him R100. She was under the impression that the money was for the coffers of the CPF, but did not get a receipt.

Mr Frederik Scheepers says Mr Zass on 15 December last year offered to take his family to a funeral to another town Nieuwoudtville for R750. He was also under the impression that the money was for the coffers of the CPF, but did not get a receipt.

Mr Jakob Tieties says Mr Zass fetched his family in Saldanha over the Easter weekend this year. He paid him R800.

Says ANC Western Cape Provincial Secretary Mcebisi Skwatsha: "It is clear there is a prima facie case against Mr Zass.

"We have noted the statements by the local DA leadership, that they will not act against him. We therefor call on Mr Zass to resign, failing which the provincial and national leadership must intervene."

"If the DA leadership is serious about corruption they should act against Mr Zass and remove him as their candidate. Clearly he is not fit for public office."